A Washington state mother charged in the death of her newborn son allegedly filmed a TikTok video of herself dancing in the hospital bathroom while the critically injured baby fought for his life, prosecutors said.
Alyssa Jade Vanderbeck, 19, and the baby's father, Mark Anthony Labaco Clamor, 21, face felony charges in connection with the death of their 7-week-old son, who authorities say suffered abusive head trauma. The couple called 911 on March 4 after the baby stopped breathing. Doctors at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital discovered severe injuries, including brain bleeds and oxygen deprivation.
Court documents state that on March 8, while the baby was being treated, Vanderbeck posted a TikTok video dancing in the hospital bathroom to upbeat music. The baby died the following day. A social worker alerted authorities to possible abuse, and prosecutors said natural causes had been ruled out. Medical evaluations found injuries consistent with violent shaking or blunt force trauma, and an autopsy determined the cause of death to be homicide due to abusive head trauma.
Prosecutors allege the couple waited about an hour after noticing the baby in distress before calling 911, instead contacting friends and family first. Clamor told police he handled the baby roughly, picking him up in a jerking motion and causing his head to jerk back. Vanderbeck said she and Clamor shook the baby in a panic to try to rouse him.
Police noted the parents' demeanor at the hospital was unusual given the severity of their child's condition. Vanderbeck is charged with second-degree murder and criminal mistreatment; Clamor is charged with second-degree murder and second-degree assault of a child. Both are held at Pierce County Jail on $1 million bond and were ordered not to contact each other.
